Summary XFV-12 aimed to combine F-4 speed and VTOL capabilities, envisioned for Sea Control Ship use Goblin XF-85 sought to protect B-36s but had hazardous tests, like earlier Navy's F9Cs from airships F-20 Tigershark, cheaper F-16 alternative, improved F-5E but canceled after low interest post completing 3 prototypes The US Air Force and Navy have developed scores of experimental fighter jets that never went into production. Sometimes, the aircraft were just intended as a proof of concept . Other times, they lost to a competitor's design.
Still, other times, requirements had changed by the time they were developed (as in the famous case of the North American XB-70 supersonic bomber ). Here are five US fighter jets that flew but never entered serial production. 1 YF-23 Black Widow II Two YF-23 prototypes were built for the Advanced Tactical Fighter program Number built: 2 prototypes First flew: 1990 Primary contractor: Northrop The YF-23 Black Window was Northrop's answer to the US Air Force's requirement for an Advanced Tactical Fighter.
However, the Lockheed YF-22 won the competition and went on to become the F-22 Raptor. The YF-23 was considered stealthier and faster than its YF-22 rival, but it was less agile. Two YF-23 prototypes were built, and one is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force .
The Advanced Tactical Fighter was intended to replace the F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter. But as history would have it, the Cold War would end, and the.